Carnival's Triumph, the 2,758-passenger cruise ship that replaces the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy, ushered in the return of seven-day cruising to the port of New Orleans on Nov. 10. The 102,000-ton, 893-foot-long Triumph is the largest cruise ship currently based in New Orleans year-round. If there is demand, a second Carnival ship could arrive in late 2011.

Where it goes: The Triumph embarks on four- and five-day western Caribbean sailings, as well as seven-day itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean. The seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays and travel to such ports as Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; Key West, Fla.; and Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas. The four-day cruises leave on Thursdays with a stop in Cozumel, and the five-day trips depart on Mondays and Saturdays, visiting the Mexican ports of Progreso and Cozumel.

How much it costs: A variety of packages and levels of staterooms exist. Prices depend on the length of the cruise and the location of the cabin. Four- and five-day cruises start at $349 per person; seven-day cruises, at $589 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin. This is for select sailings, and prices are subject to change. Ocean views, balconies and prime locations mean the price goes up. Shore excursions vary dramatically in scope and pricing. On this inaugural seven-day cruise, they ranged from 2 1/2 hours to all-day activities and from about $36 to $240 per person for adults, with discounts for children. Cruises can be booked online, through a travel agent or by calling 1.888.227.6482.

What's included: Accommodations; meals with water, iced tea, hot tea and coffee; most onboard activities; kids' activities; and entertainment such as Broadway-style revues and comedy shows. (Add up what you and your family would spend onshore while traveling and you quickly can see how cruising is a good value.)

Amenities: The ship features 13 decks; four restaurants; a variety of lounges and bars; an outdoor walking track; a miniature golf course; pools, hot tubs, a full-service spa and a 214-foot-long water slide; a casino; supervised programs for children; an arcade, music and activities for teens; shops; and a well-equipped gym. The 70,000-watt, 12- by 22-foot Seaside Theatre features concerts, movies, news and sporting events. (Attention Saints fans: On the inaugural cruise, the Saints game was not available. If, however, the Saints games are the national game for that week or available on Monday Night Football, fans would be able to watch on the ship.)

Oh the rough seas: The Triumph is well stabilized, so you'll barely notice movement. But weather is unpredictable so bring over-the-counter medications or talk to your doctor about prescription drugs. A scopolamine patch works well, but it does take awhile to kick in.